Tag Archives: Medieval fantasy

The Beast of Blackmoor Bog by Milla Vane

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

night-shift

Title: The Beast of Blackmoor Bog
Author: Milla Vane
In: Night Shift (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: He stared into the fire, his broad chest rising on a series of deep breath.

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Synopsis

A warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn’t a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

Thoughts

This short story was a constant surprise for me – the tale never took me where I expected, which is always such a pleasant surprise when reading a new story and author. The twists and turns that The Beast of Blackmoor Bog took me on in such a short story were thrillingly enjoyable and I am now busy hunting for more writing by Vane.

This story had a really old school, medieval feel to it – I couldn’t help but think of Conan the Barbarian while I read it, and it was a really nice change from the majority of stories that I seem to be sinking my teeth into at the moment. The battle field and the setting in which this story takes place is all too easy to see and compare to the landscape of pre-Christian Europe. A locale full of potential when writing and reading a new story.

Vane excellently flicked between the POVs of the two main characters – it was subtly done, but all the more insightful for it. This change between third person POV allows the reader to gain understanding of both of the characters’ motivations and drivers, their hopes and fears throughout the tale. But, due to Vane’s incredible talent, it was done without interrupting the flow of the story.

<- Lucky Charms Review Night Shift Review ->
Image source: Audiobooks

The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , , , , ,

Overview

The Burning Bridge

Title: The Burning Bridge
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: He seized the bandit by the arm and dragged him upright, frogmarching him across the clearing to throw him, none too gently, against the rock face at the far side.

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Synopsis

The Kingdom of Araluen is sure to be defeated in a surprise three-sided attack – unless Will can find a way to prevent it.

Thoughts

Every time I read this, it just gets better! And I still want to cry at the end when Will and Evanlyn are in trouble.

Building on The Ruins of Gorlan, Flanagan’s hero takes us on an amazing journey through a new country and into new dangers. Watching the young friendship between Horace and Will grow from the previous book is such a delight. As is the reminder that they are children – the journey is serious, but there are still light, joking moments to remind you of their innocence.

The introduction of a strong-willed, strong-minded girl in the shape of Evanlyn made this book (and indeed the whole series) even more relatable. Instead of requiring their constant protection, Evanlyn is able to find and use her own strength. And ultimately she plays a huge part in saving the day.

The ending of this story sets up the next few books in this series perfectly. I wouldn’t recommend finishing it until you have the third book in hand – you’ll want to know what happens next!

<- The Ruins of Gorlan Review The Icebound Land Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , , , , ,

Overview

The Ruins of Gorlan

Title: The Ruins of Gorlan
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Even after a few days, the strict regime of the Battleschool was beginning to show results with Horace.

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Synopsis

Will has always wanted to become a knight, but he is about to find more excitement and adventure than he could have dreamed of as an apprentice to the mysterious Rangers.

Thoughts

I have now managed to read this book four times. And it just keeps on delivering. John Flanagan is definitely one of my favourite Aussie authors.

This book takes the underdog (Will) and uses his talents to make him into an unlikely hero. Most medieval style books I have read focus on the knights as hero-supreme, but the idea of the Rangers as the hidden, secret force helping the kingdom is just brilliant.

As an archer, I can completely understand – and encourage Flanagan’s description of the sport. Even though the accuracy with which the arrows are shot is something that most people could only dream of, the descriptions of the equipment and the skill involved is spot on. As is everything in this book. It takes strands of reality and weaves them into this amazing fantasy world. The result? A beautiful mosaic of story that you can imagine happening in real life.

Will’s ability to triumph in spite of his perceived weakness was inspiring and definitely a book that I would encourage young children to read. The fact that Flanagan doesn’t have weak, female characters in constant need of rescue is just another tick in this book’s box.

<- Death of a Hero Review The Burning Bridge Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia